Whooping Cough Hits Pasadena School

Pasadena Public Health Department said on May 19 that it was investigating a whooping cough outbreak at Blair Middle School after confirming three cases of pertussis. The announcement marked the second school outbreak disclosed in Pasadena in three weeks, after four confirmed cases were reported at Don Benito Fundamental School on April 29. Health officials said the city has already recorded 11 confirmed pertussis cases in 2026, compared with an average of about three cases in a full year. The department said it is working with Pasadena Unified School District and community partners to monitor for more infections and notify close contacts. ### Which Pasadena school is affected now? Blair Middle School is the school named in the latest notice from Pasadena Public Health. The department said three confirmed cases were identified there and that close contacts had been given instructions on testing, treatment and staying home if symptoms develop. (cityofpasadena.net) April 29 was the date of the earlier school outbreak in the city. Pasadena Public Health said then that four confirmed cases had been identified at Don Benito Fundamental School, also in coordination with Pasadena Unified School District and community partners. (cityofpasadena.net) ### How unusual is the case count in Pasadena? Pasadena officials said the city typically reports about three pertussis cases per year. By May 19, the department said, 11 confirmed cases had already been identified since the start of 2026. Los Angeles County public health officials have also warned of broader elevated pertussis activity. (cityofpasadena.net) A county health alert to providers said suspected pertussis cases reported so far this year were more than 50% above the same period last year. ### What are health officials telling families to watch for? Pasadena Public Health said symptoms usually appear five to 21 days after exposure. (cityofpasadena.net) Early signs can resemble a cold, including sneezing, runny nose, mild cough and low-grade fever, before progressing over one to two weeks to severe coughing fits that can cause gasping, vomiting or trouble breathing. (publichealth.lacounty.gov) Dr. Parveen Kaur, Pasadena’s health officer, said parents should watch for “abnormal coughs and other symptoms consistent with pertussis” and have children evaluated by a physician. Kaur said pertussis is “deadly for high-risk groups” and that testing and treatment, along with vaccination, help protect families and the community. (cityofpasadena.net) Infants are among the highest-risk groups. Pasadena officials said babies may not develop a typical cough and instead may gag, turn red or blue, or briefly stop breathing. ### What happens if someone was exposed? Pasadena Public Health said people exposed to pertussis should monitor for symptoms for 21 days, especially in children. (cityofpasadena.net) The department said families should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop and keep sick individuals home until cleared by a provider or until they have completed five days of appropriate antibiotics. A 5-day course of azithromycin is the first-line treatment, the department said. High-risk contacts, including infants under 1 year old, pregnant people and caregivers of infants, may be advised to take preventive antibiotics even if they do not have symptoms. ### What are officials saying about vaccines and school attendance? (cityofpasadena.net) Pasadena Public Health said vaccination remains the best defense against pertussis and urged residents to make sure they are up to date. The department said children should complete the DTaP series, children ages 11 or 12 should receive the Tdap booster, and adults — especially pregnant people and caregivers of young children — should also ensure they have received a Tdap booster. (cityofpasadena.net) Los Angeles County school guidance says children with significant respiratory symptoms should stay home and seek medical attention for severe cough or breathing trouble. Pasadena officials said children suspected of having pertussis should not return to school until they meet recommended clearance criteria. May 19 is the most recent public update posted by Pasadena Public Health on the Blair Middle School outbreak. (cityofpasadena.net) The department said it would continue working with Pasadena Unified School District and community partners to monitor for additional cases, and vaccine information remains available through the city’s public health department and local healthcare providers. (cityofpasadena.net) (publichealth.lacounty.gov)